Mexico Sea Turtle Conservation

Mexico is the Central American heartland that epitomises the best of Latin fiesta spirit and an endless fascination of the legacy of the Mayan civilization. In Mexico you will discover stunningly elegant colonial towns surrounded by rainforest cloaked mountains, heavenly beaches where Mayan ruins tumble down to the pristine shores, and markets humming with a hundred street vendors selling everything from pungent leather handbags to magic spells from shamans!

Mexicans are said to be the happiest people in the world and it’s not hard to see why! Mexican culture is an exotic and heady mix of dark magic and a strong sense of celebrating life and death. Look out for the "diá de los muertos", or the 'Day of the Dead' to see colourful skeletons and huge processions filling the streets of every town!

Join our sea turtle conservation project along the sparkling blue coast and help protect this beautiful environment and its enigmatic marine life for future generations whilst enjoying all this exotic country has to offer the adventurous traveller.

The work you carry out will be rewarding, challenging, and hugely beneficial to conservation efforts, as well as being amazing fun! At the end of the day you will gain immense satisfaction from knowing that you have helped to save this precious marine wilderness.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Immerse yourself in true Mexican culture

Help to protect the magnificent sea turtle

Gain lifelong friends

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

Minimum age of 18 years

FAST FACTS

Location

Veracruz, Mexico

Activities

Save sea turtle nests and release hatchlings into the ocean
Study and help conserve one of the world's most endangered species
Participate in other environmental activities
Monitor and record progress of rehabilitation

WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?

As a popular tourist destination, Mexico’s environment is under great threat from human influences including the development of the coastline and recreational activities which result in disturbances and habitat loss for marine life. The main conservation project has been running since 1967 having been set up by a local fisherman and continued by his family as well as the local community working together with the ministry of environment to help preserve this endangered species.

Turtles are slow to adapt to changing environmental conditions and sea turtles face many dangers from the minute the eggs are laid into the sand, the most dangerous journey which is the one from their nest to the ocean and of course many predators and dangers in the ocean such as pollution and fishing nets.

The sea turtle project offers a hands on, sustainable solution for the ever declining sea turtle population. Out of the seven species of sea turtle alive today, five species make their home along the beaches and wetlands of Mexico, all of which are listed on the IUCN redlist as threatened or endangered species. This project helps to save hundreds of thousands of sea turtles a year from ever increasing threats, increasing survival rates for all four species.

By increasing the numbers of turtles in the sea we can attempt to help them adapt to changing conditions and sustain populations by reducing their vulnerability by rescuing nests in risk zones and by protecting the nesting females during the night. One of our most important strategies is environmental education to help both local communities and visiting tourists learn about sea turtles and how to protect them.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

As a volunteer you will be patrolling the beach either during the day or night to rescue nests in dangerous areas and transport them to safe zones, take care of the hatchlings nesting in our safe areas, release hatchlings into the ocean, protect nesting females during the night and collect vital information about them as part of the ongoing studies. We aim to get volunteers involved in a range of hands-on training experiences. Your day to day duties will be dependent upon the season and the current focus of the project at the time of your visit and detailed work programmes will be agreed with your project leader upon arrival. Tasks could typically involve nest management, nest transplants, hatchling release and attending visiting groups. You will join the team to provide around the clock assistance and learn about the greater aims of the conservation project, your days will be long but certainly rewarding.

Other activities could include attending sick or injured sea turtles, and the opportunity to learn about the other marine education, research, and restoration programmes organised by the project.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?

Upon arrival at Veracruz International Airport you will be met by a friendly Frontier representative and taken to the project site. The project is located along a stretch of beautiful beach on the coast approximately 2 hours from the airport.

WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?

Whilst participating in this project you will either share a room with other volunteers or you will be camping on site, right by the beach. Camp life is basic so come prepared for the unencumbered lifestyle! There are Western toilets and cold showers, which are amazing in the heat which average 85 degrees Farenheit during the high turtle season. There are facilities for washing your clothes and there is wi-fi on site but it is only available from time to time, not available 24h due to the low bandwidth. Trips will be made into town where you can pick up things you need and one day a week is your day off, usually Sundays or Mondays when you can join the other volunteers to explore the town, the nearby mangroves or head off to the famous ruins of El Tajin.

WHAT WILL I BE EATING?

You will be provided with three meals a day where you will get the opportunity to experience typical Mexican favourites including enchiladas, empanadas as well as loads of fresh produce such as pungent cheeses, spicy salsa sauces and watch out for the dips that are served with tortilla chips - spicy! Breakfast is usually a light and western version and a lunchtime treat may include "pollen chileajo" (chicken cooked in chili and garlic) or "huevos a la Mexicana" (Mexican-style scrambled eggs). Dinner will be typical dishes such as enchiladas, tostadas and quesadillas.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

While the sea turtle beach is a fairly quiet conservation area, there is so much more to discover in your spare time here. The bird life within the mangrove is magnificent! Before or after the program, or on a free day during the program, you can also contract a boat to take you exploring the mangroves where you will be able to spot shoals fish, crabs and even crocodiles. Other adventure and sports activities, which can be found in Veracruz include white water rafting, diving, banana boats, snorkelling and swimming. Nearby cultural sites include the historic "old town" section of Veracruz, historic churches and vibrant markets and north of the site you find the ruins of “El Tajin” and the famous “Voladores de Papantla” – the flyers of Papantla with their interesting history and traditions..

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

To apply for this placement, click on "Apply Now" below. Fill in the short application form and one of our advisers will then call you back to answer any questions and make sure this is the perfect placement for you. Applying doesn't cost a penny and you won't pay anything until you're completely happy and you're ready to reserve your place.